Unlike potted plants, which should be repotted regularly, digging up planted garden trees only makes sense and is necessary in a few cases. We explain why Japanese maples should be dug up and transplanted and how best to do this.
When and under what circumstances should you dig up a Japanese maple?
The best time to dig up a Japanese maple is during the winter months between November and February/March, as long as the ground is frost-free. The tree should be a maximum of four to five years old and digging should only be done in certain cases, such as disease or incorrect location.
When is the best time to dig up Japanese maple?
The best time to dig up a Japanese maple is thewinter monthsbetween November and February/March, i.e. the time when the plant has no leaves. Since roots are damaged by digging, the maple would no longer have enough strength to supply the shoots with water and nutrients. An exception is an infestation with Verticillium wilt: Then quick action and possibly digging out in summer is necessary. Of course, the ground must be absolutely frost-free when digging out.
What do I need to dig up Japanese maple?
To dig up Japanese maple, all you need is aspadeor alternatively a digging fork and a pair ofscissorsfor cutting back the roots and branches as a garden tool needed. In addition, you need good compost soil both for filling the trench at the old location and for planting in the new location.
What is the best way to dig up Japanese maple?
It's easy to dig up Japanese maple with our instructions:
- thecut off the root disc all around, about the size of the tree crown
- draw a trench around this area and fill it with compost, mulch and water regularly (this is best done in preparation for digging in the summer)
- cut back the tree crown to accommodate the lost root volume
- loose up the root ball underneath the maple with the spadeloosen up
- carefully lift up the tree
What is the maximum age of the tree when digging it up?
The tree should bea maximum of four to five yearsold when dug up. By then it is not yet so established in its place in the garden that it cannot tolerate being dug up and transplanted. In addition, a younger tree is significantly lighter and smaller in size than an old specimen. Nevertheless, digging up is a measure that should always be carefully considered because Japanese maple is a very sensitive plant.
Why does Japanese maple need to be dug up?
There areseveral reasons why Japanese maple needs to be dug up and then transplanted:
- The tree is affected by the fungal infection Verticillium wilt
- the maple tree is on unsuitable ground
- the location in the garden is wrong, for example too sunny
- the plant is exposed to waterlogging
He althy maple trees should not be dug up just for visual reasons, because the plant could look better in another place in the garden, as this measure is always associated with stress.
Tip
Support with plant sticks and regular watering
So that the Japanese maple can grow well in its new location in the garden, wooden plant stakes attached all around help to stabilize it. Regular watering is also necessary so that the tree can root well - waterlogging must be avoided at all costs.
